 Eggs
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Cecropia caterpillars make an excellent summer project. Eggs hatch within
2 weeks of shipment. Open your shipment immediately upon receipt. Caterpillars hatch the size of a grain of rice and
reach lengths of up to 5 inches before spinning cocoons. Caterpillars shed their skins 4 times before
spinning cocoons, so there are 5 caterpillar phases. Each phase is called an instar. Caterpillars feed on the
leaves of willow, plum, apple, hawthorn, and maple trees. You must be able to acquire an ample fresh quantity of
branches with leaves on them of one or more of these host plants to successfully raise cecropia caterpillars.
You may find other shrubs or trees which they will feed on. I have heard that they will feed on purple loosestrife,
but have yet to test it. If someone does, I would love to hear from them. They will not feed on oak. One
batch contains 15 eggs. Eggs are available and are shipped from late May through July. Eggs are guaranteed to hatch.
After that, it is up to the buyer to raise the caterpillars to pupation. I can be emailed for advice at any time.
Under normal conditions, it takes about 7 or 8 weeks before caterpillars spin cocoons. 15 cecropia caterpillars will eat a lot of leaves. I send 15 eggs in full anticipation that not all caterpillars will make it to pupation.
Caterpillars can be raised indoors or outdoors. I am working on a caterpillar house similar to the adult shelter currently shown on the website. It will be ready for summer 2008 raising. The main differences between the shelter and the house will be that the house will be larger and will have no floor. The house will keep cecropia enemies out and caterpillars in. I recommend raising indoors (less cecropia enemies), but they can be raised outdoors; just expect less success. Caterpillars do not need direct sunlight to thrive. I suggest raising caterpillars out of direct sunlight, whether indoors or outdoors. Leaves will wilt less if not in direct sunlight. One set of instructions is sent with each order. The suggested way to raise cecropias is this place the base of a branch in a container of water. Place the caterpillars on the branch. When they have eaten all of the leaves on a branch, or the leaves have wilted, replace the branch. Variations abound. Email me if you have questions.
Under normal conditions, it takes about 7 or 8 weeks before caterpillars spin cocoons. 15 cecropia caterpillars will eat a lot of leaves. I send 15 eggs in full anticipation that not all caterpillars will make it to pupation.
Caterpillars can be raised indoors or outdoors. I am working on a caterpillar house similar to the adult shelter currently shown on the website. It will be ready for summer 2008 raising. The main differences between the shelter and the house will be that the house will be larger and will have no floor. The house will keep cecropia enemies out and caterpillars in. I recommend raising indoors (less cecropia enemies), but they can be raised outdoors; just expect less success. Caterpillars do not need direct sunlight to thrive. I suggest raising caterpillars out of direct sunlight, whether indoors or outdoors. Leaves will wilt less if not in direct sunlight. One set of instructions is sent with each order. The suggested way to raise cecropias is this place the base of a branch in a container of water. Place the caterpillars on the branch. When they have eaten all of the leaves on a branch, or the leaves have wilted, replace the branch. Variations abound. Email me if you have questions.
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